Basic Agronomy
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E le m e n ts S u p p lie d B y N a tu re
E le m e n ts S u p p lie d B y M an
A IR
R a d ia n t E n e r g y
M A N U R E S
W AT E R
C h lo ro p h y l
F E R T IL IZ E R S
S O IL C arbon ( C ) O x y g e n (O ) N itr o g e n (N ) H y d ro g e n (H ) P h o sp h a te s (P ) P o ta sh (K ) L im e
N itr o g e n (N ) P h o sp h a te s (P ) P o ta sh (K ) L im e T r a c e E le m e n ts 10:50:59 AM
40% 60%
40%
30% 30%
30% 30%
Nitrogen (N)
Vegetative growth Applied to soil & foliar Causes acidity Leaches easily Comes as AN, CAN, Urea, Manures Fixed by legumes
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Nitrogen in Manure Animal Type Kgs /Ton Dairy Beef Swine Sheep Goat Poultry Horse
4-5 4-6 5-8 8-12 8-12 9-18 5-7 10:50:59 AM
Chicken Manure Soup
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Phosphorous (P)
Photosynthesis, Respiration Seed & fruit, Energy system, growth. Immobile- Root zone. Labile (available) Sources – Rock phosphate, Super phosphate. Compound Fertilizers. 10:51:07 AM
Potassium (K)
Photosynthesis and plant food formation. NB with Ca and B, in development of cell walls. Controls the leaf stoma and affects drought tolerance. Solonaceous crops and Legumes. Improves a plants ability to combat disease. Affects various quality factors (colour and taste) Comfrey Tea 10:51:07 AM
Factors affecting uptake…NPK
Soil pH Soil Compaction Inadequate Soil Aeration Soil Moisture Soil Temperature Soil Organic Matter Crop Residues Plant Root Systems 10:51:08 AM
How Does Compost Work?
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Shoots Roots
Plant-feeding Nematodes C to fungus N, P, Âľnutrients to plant
Algae
Mycorrhizal Fungi
FungalFeeding Nematodes
Saprophytic Fungi
BacterialFeeding Nematodes
P-Bacteria Lichen
Organic Matter
Complex, recalcitrant carbons
Simple sugars
Dead Material (from all boxes)
FungalFeeding Mites
Flagellates
Bacteria
Predatory Nematodes
Predatory Mites
Higher level Predators
Amoebae Ciliates 10:51 :08 A M
The Soil Foodweb in Lawns, Vegetable and Row Crops systems
Balance is the Key!
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Soil Food Web Nematodes Root Feeders
Arthropods Shredders
Arthropods Predators
Nematodes Plants & Roots
Bacterial & Fungal
Fungi
Organic Matter
Protozoa
Mulch
Nematodes Bacteria
Predators
Factors affecting uptake…NPK
Soil pH Soil Compaction Inadequate Soil Aeration Soil Moisture Soil Temperature Soil Organic Matter Crop Residues Plant Root Systems 10:51:08 AM
Soil Organic Matter Soil pH Soil Compaction Inadequate Soil Aeration Soil Moisture Soil Temperature Plant Root Systems
Compost improves or rectifies all these soil conditions! 10:51:08 AM